I WILL FIND YOU.

Chapter 95: Ambush

"This is boring." Minda thought.

They had left the campsite awhile ago. The ride from inside was not only eventful but incredibly rough compared to his expensive custom built carriage. Despite how boring it was Minda never once tried to peek outside.

After about an hour of staring at the blank walls, Minda's patience wore thin. He decided to pull out a book to help pass the time. Using the small light that filtered through the cracks, he attempted to read. The book he selected wasn't the one he had been reading alongside Kai. Instead, it was a different title he often turned to while Kai was busy training or on night duty.

"Ugh... I feel nauseous." Minda thought after reading for less than ten minutes. Trying to read in the moving cart that was shaking and swaying proved difficult and Minda had started to feel motion sickness. He put the book down and decided to lay down until his stomach settled.

"Maybe I can get some sleep." Minda thought as he lay there. If it was his usual carriage and they weren't headed into an ambush it might have been possible but Minda couldn't settle his mind long enough to get any sleep.

"Psst, are ya okay in there?" Daniu his voice echoing through to the back of the cart despite trying his best to whisper.

"I'm fine." Minda replied despite still feeling queasy.

"That's good. Things are about to get bad. I need ya to get back in the crate and put the shields around ya."

"Are the enemies here?"

"They will be here in another minute or two. Whatever happens don't make a sound, stay inside, and cover up."

"O...okay." Minda stuttered.

He moved back inside the large crate he was previously packed into. He then put the large helmet over his head the same way Kai had showed him and lifted a thick iron shield over the crate to cover his body as he crouched down inside it.

"I'm scared. Is Kai also scared? Will he be okay? He has to be okay." Minda muttered quietly. As he waited Minda noticed the crossbow and pulled it close. His heart pounding in anticipation for what would happen next.

"Formation!"

Suddenly Minda could hear General Lei call out. With his shout the air turned thick and the fear and excitement was palpable.

"They're here." Minda thought. His body instinctively curled up tight and he covered his ears with his trembling hands. He wanted to put the earplugs he always wore in put didn't in case Kai or someone else needed to warn him of danger.

"It's okay. Kai will be okay. They have a plan." Minda repeated to himself like a mantra.

...

The ambush was sudden and well executed. From the shadows of the old growth trees came wave after wave of men dressed in black. If they hadn't been told ahead of time things would have been dangerous. Luckily they were prepared.

"Formation!" General Lei bellowed. They moved the carts and carriage in a circle before jumping down and taking their positions to fight.

"Stay inside and lay low!" Kai reminded Yanlin. The plan would only work if the enemy believed the man inside was Minda.

"I know." Yanlin said as he grabbed his sword and a shield for protection. Kai took a deep breath before leaving the carriage and closing the door behind him.

"Be safe. It will be over soon." Kai whispered. His words were meant for Minda even though they were apart and there was no way for Minda to actually hear him.